Peruse the literary gems of the El Ateneo Grand Splendid bookshop

Among the most beautiful attractions of Buenos Aires, there is one that book lovers will not want to miss: the El Ateneo Grand Splendid bookshop, which has been named "the world's most beautiful bookshop".

To discover this magnificent place with your own eyes, go to the Recoleta district, in the center of Buenos Aires. The Ateneo was formerly a theater, founded in 1919. In 2000, it was transformed into an open bookshop that has retained all the splendor of its original interior decor. Make sure to see the frescos, painted ceilings and statutes.

The entire theater has been renovated. If you would like to enjoy some quiet time with a book, you can sit in one of the balcony boxes which have been converted into reading rooms. For a break, head to the theater's former stage, which has been transformed into a café that welcomes readers with beverages and pastries.

Another advantage of this bookshop: it doesn't matter when you feel the need to check out one of the 200,00 books available, you can enter free of charge at any time of day or night.